MacBook Air (Mid 2012) Review

MacBook Air Mid 2012 Review

Last week at Apples WWDC Chief Executive Tim Cook took the opportunity to announce a range of products from updates on iOS to new mobile hardware. The two main hardware items being announced were the latest MacBook Pro and MacBook Air in their "mid 2012" refresh versions. With Ivy Bridge based processors and the option for larger storage and memory configurations they were sure to interest those who like to live on the cutting edge of technology.

Today we have the new 11" model of the MacBook Air on our test bench and will find out if this Ivy Bridge based machine offers a desirable balance of portability and power for those looking at a compact system for their mobile needs.

Packaging and Bundle

Apple send their latest MacBook out in a plain brown box and inside the retail packaging is suspended in blocks of cardboard.

The MacBook Air box has a minimalist design featuring profile images of the system inside. Once we lift off the lid, which is foam lined, we find the system sitting in a tray and wrapped in a protective plastic sleeve. Then adding further protection during shipping is a foam layer between keyboard and screen.

After lifting our the Air we find the bundled components in the tray below. These include product documentation, charger and two mains plugs. One for those who require some extra cable length, the other for those who want to travel light.